Bandolier

This Bandolier was used as a pocketed belt for holding ammunition, usually slung over the chest. This leather bandolier was worn over the shoulder and could carry 20 cartridges in four separate pouches with four brass knobs. The brass buckle sits on the shoulder when worn.

The Bandolier was used to keep the ammunition of the police officer’s hips, as carrying a significant load on the hips lead to constrained movement and difficulty in ammunition retrieval. The early Bandolier was a standard issue for armed officials from the 16th century to the 18th century. It contained either pre-packed chargers, small containers of wood, metal or cloth containing the measured amount of gunpowder for a single shot with muzzle-loading muskets or other guns, or early forms of cartridges also carrying a musket ball.

This form of the bandolier came into use in the 19th century to hold cased cartridges and hand grenades. Bandoliers are now less familiar with the introduction of magazines and belt-fed firearms. Today extra ammunition belts are often carried around the body like bandoliers. They are, however, still commonly used with shotguns, as shotgun shells can easily be stored in traditionally designed bandoliers.